New photo red light surveillance camera in use at Manchester Avenue and Airport Boulevard

A new photo red light enforcement camera system has been activated at the intersection of Airport Boulevard and Manchester Avenue, near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), in Westchester.

Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, who announced the camera activation Thursday, August 9th, along with Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and Department of Transportation (LADOT) officials, said he hopes to see a significant reduction in speeding and traffic collisions with the presence of the device.

“Drivers cannot continue to endanger the public by speeding through red lights,” Rosendahl said. “The activation of the new photo red light camera will ensure the safety of motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians, and will make our streets safer.”

In the last two years, 24 traffic collisions have occurred at the intersection of Airport Boulevard and Manchester Avenue — the second highest number of traffic collisions in the 11th Council District, Rosendahl said.

“The automated photo red light enforcement program is a traffic safety program that is designed to reduce serious injury and fatal traffic collisions at major intersections in the city,” LAPD Sgt. Matthew Macwillie said. “Last year, traffic collisions were down 15 percent at intersections equipped with red light cameras.”

Department of Transportation general manager Gloria Jeff added, “The Department of Transportation is proud to support Councilmember Bill Rosendahl’s efforts, as well as our partners, the Los Angeles Police Department, to make signalized intersections safer by citing red light violators.”

The new photo red light camera system was activated during “National Stop on Red Week,” a program dedicated to educating Americans about the dangers of running red lights.

The new camera system is the second to be installed in the 11th district and the 23rd in the entire city.

The photo red light camera system, which consists of multiple digital video cameras, records violations 24 hours a day. Independent video cameras capture video evidence of the rear of the vehicle, the license plate, the driver and the vehicle proceeding through a red light.

Violations are reviewed by LAPD officers and citations are mailed to drivers within 15 days of the actual violation. The fine for a red light violation is $381 and the fine for a right turn on red violation is $159.

Motorists who receive citations can view video evidence by appointment or via the Internet.

Although the red light camera system has been activated, actual enforcement will begin in 30 days, officials said.

“The 30-day grace period will give motorists the opportunity to become educated on the photo red light enforcement system,” Rosendahl said.

A total of 32 intersections citywide will be equipped with the camera system.